Even for Ryan Vogelsong, the 36-year-old who has been playing professionally since 1998, a little confidence can go a long way. Vogelsong fought his mechanics all spring and in his first two starts, and he gave up a leadoff single Wednesday on a bunt hit that somehow clung to the dirt. It could have all gone south again, but Vogelsong got a double play to get out of the inning. When he walked Matt Kemp in the second, Vogelsong promptly picked him off (maybe … more on that later). After Juan Uribe singled in the third, Vogelsong threw a pitch that Drew Butera had no shot to hit-and-run with. Uribe was easily thrown out and Vogelsong had faced the minimum through three.

He retired the side in the fourth and again in the fifth, and out by out, fastball by fastball, ferocious bite of his gum by ferocious bite of his gum, Vogelsong picked up steam. When you’re in rhythm, you’re able to miss your spots a little and still get an out, as Vogelsong did to Juan Uribe. Butera and Carl Crawford thought they had Vogelsong, too, but that extra life was there tonight and both had to settle for flyouts to center.

“It’s just conviction in what I’m doing,” Vogelsong said. “It’s knowing that’s what I want to do and throwing a good pitch.”

That conviction, combined with proper mechanics, gave Vogelsong his best outing of the season. He gave up four hits and a run in six innings, walking two and striking out two. Vintage Vogey.

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“He stayed consistent with his delivery from the first inning on,” manager Bruce Bochy said. “Tonight, he stayed in sync and had good command throughout the game. He pounded the strike zone.”

The count was 16 first-pitch strikes to 22 batters. They were thrown with conviction, allowing Vogelsong, at least for a night, to look like the Vogelsong of old.

“I finally got the results I’ve been looking for,” Vogelsong said. “I’ve been working real hard on the side. It just kind of all came together for me.”

— The bullpen has been excellent this year, and Jean Machi might be the early MVP of the group. Machi entered in a tough spot and struck out Matt Kemp. After a grounder that went for an odd infield single, he got a 1-2-3 double play. We have an early leader for weirdest stat of the month: In eight appearances, Machi has started two 1-2-3 double plays.

“To pitch out of that jam,” Bochy said. “He saved our skin.”

Machi nearly came out of his skin during the celebration.

“He’s a guy that it’s hard not to root for because he cares so much,” Sergio Romo said. “It’s fun to see the little kid side come out.”

— This spring, I asked a few of the Giants coaches and strength people who the fastest player in the organization was (this was before Darren Ford re-signed). Almost all of them chose Hunter Pence, even though Angel Pagan, Gregor Blanco, Gary Brown and others might disagree. Also, Carl Crawford’s arm is a bundle of ramen noodles.

— An awful lot of keyboard warriors out there tonight, but this looked painful regardless of the outcome of the x-rays. Here’s what Vogelsong said: “I’m just trying to throw a good two-seamer. My first thought wasn’t what happened to me, mine was different because I was swinging at the ball. It’s unfortunate to see it happen, but at the same time, I’ve got to be able to throw the ball inside.”

— Replay is a good thing, but the guys in New York need to wake up a bit. The review of the second-inning pickoff at first base lasted four minutes and 25 seconds, which is simply inexcusable. Vogelsong twice had to go back to the mound to throw warm-up pitches. After all that, I’m pretty sure they blew the call. Both live and on replay, Kemp appeared to have slipped his hand back in there before the swipe tag.

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— I’m trying to think of a good reason why right-handed hitter Scott Van Slyke didn’t hit for Crawford (who hit .206 against lefties last year) against Javier Lopez in the eighth inning. The only logical one is that he was busy … that’s the only logical explanation.

— If you’re going to bring a sign, maybe take it easy on the pre-gaming?

— Bochy said he would have to check on Brandon Crawford (hamstring), Sandoval (who nicked a knuckle in his final at-bat) and Posey (who had an awkward slide into second). Updates coming in the morning, but not from me! See you all from San Diego …

The logic behind the Dodgers not hitting for Crawford against Lopez is the same unassailable logic that led to Uribe being erased early after a failed hit and run and walking Pence to get to Panda for the game-winning RBI. Logically, Don Mattingly is a horrible manager!! I’m so happy the boys in blue signed him to a long term gig. Giants will reap the rewards for many years to come. Bruce Bochy’s Dome Rules!!

SurfCity

I think the “BAET LA” fans were midway in changing from “BEAT” to “ABET”

totalfan62

Paul in p.v.–Snorkel is not only a cool cat, now he’s also a good luck charm. Definitely one special kitty!

Eleuthero

Well, I’m one of Vogey’s biggest skeptics and it’s only one start but it’s a big step in the right direction. Once again, one helluva ball game. Love this kind of torture. However, those guys from LA are going to be a force to be reckoned with when they get back all their starters and pitchers. Nevertheless, I’m enjoying this right NOW! And Pablo getting the winning hit … it’s a very good sign when the guys that were picked up in earlier games like Pablo did the picking up themselves in this game.

livefreerdi

Hanley caused that HBP (baseball really needs a rule change … gets the bat, and your hands, it of the way) and Crawford hit because Mattingly just isn’t very good.

Jersey Giant

Pleased that both Lincecum and Vogelsong pitched well. Machi and pen does the job again. Wondering what lineup will be today?

SurfCity

Off Topic – Warriors.

Jim Barnett just popped by Adam Lauridsen’s Warriors blog to comment. He was very gracious and appreciative for all those who rallied to have him reinstated. He’s also super-happy to be back announcing next season. (Warriors management was swayed by the fan effort.) The extent of his role hasn’t been determined yet but he will be on the broadcasts again. Jim has been an occasional commenter on Adam’s blog for a while now.

dgg

From Alex’s game story, Pablo, on his game-winning hit: “I just tried to play pepper. Go back up the middle of the field.”

walt kovacs

saw two diff replays of pickoff…one looked like kemp beat the tag, the other…not so much

but shouldnt take over 4 minutes to decide a play is inconclusive…i did it in one

still very early, but team looks solid and if the pitching holds up, they should be in the hunt all season long

dgg

Even though Tim and Ryan pitched well, they’re still not going as deep into games as Hudson. This usually puts pressure on the bullpen for two back-to-back starts, but the Giants bullpen seems to be thriving on the pressure. When Bochy said in spring training that he might switch Hudson and Lincecum at some point, I was thinking he would put whichever one was pitching better in the fourth spot in the rotation.

walt kovacs

if a 4/5 goes a full 6, thats a very good outing

walt kovacs

giants have a huge contingent of dyslexic fans

we shouldnt make fun of them

walt kovacs

not sure how long they can keep law on the farm

dgg

I just love these three sentences. LA Times Dodgers beat reporter:

“Not the Dodgers’ best night. Their mighty offense was quiet again. Their ballyhooed bullpen once more failed to deliver.”

Bapah

Are you going to miss today’s game? If so, get your scheduler on board with G’s schedule.

Foothills Ryan

Splitting them up with Hudson makes a lot of sense.

Foothills Ryan

Good stuff indeed. Great for Lincecum & Vogey to catch them cold. That’s part of baseball.

Foothills Ryan

Mattingly was an awesome hitter! Can’t have it all.

Foothills Ryan

Gregorio must be a scary at bat – all 6’7″ coming at the hitter.

Brett Krill doing well – he’s going to be my guy, as another UCLA alum. He had to have played with Brandon Crawford at least one year.

Matthew

What I also find amusing about LA, their fans, and their media is that it never, ever seems to be about the other team…you know, the one that beat them? The one that has two World Series wins in 4 years?

The Giants played another good game. Not perfect, but relatively clean, tight. Big clutch hit and confidence boost for Pablo.

Did we “catch them cold”, Footman, or did we make them go cold with good pitching and (mostly) good fielding?

I don’t want to make light of Hanley getting hit. I will, however, make a comparison:

Last season, Vogey got hit in the hand. Crushed. He knew it was broken. He didn’t yell, scream, throw anything. He calmly told Groeschner it was broke. And , it was.

Hanley? Went apoplectic. He threw his helmet, yelled and cursed loudly and repeatedly, writhed over and over. It wasn’t a broken hand.

Bapah

And…? Did you expect anything different? Adult v. Child.

Bapah

This wasn’t meant as a derogatory response, just an anti-dodger one.

Matthew

Yup, that was my thoughts when I watched as well…

The dude has obvious talent. But………

Foothills Ryan

Lo viste ?

Bapah

Anybody else here feel that Arias hauled his own water in last night’s game? Not surprised as much as pleased.

BALDHEADSLIK1

I think hes coming back for 25% less salary.

PerSpeier35

Maybe he was mad at himself for not turning back like he was supposed and either getting hit in the back of the shoulder or maybe not getting hit at all. He should have been able to get out of they way of that one, it was not that far inside.

Bapah

I have another puzzling observation. With Ned having spent time under Sabes, does he really give so little credence to character and team players (good teammates) that he puts together this group of prima donnas(sp?) and childish idiots, or is this a result of ownership intrusion into the GM function and process?

BALDHEADSLIK1

Appreciate it

Bapah

Sabean, on the other hand, seems to place a good deal of emphasis on talent and team compatibility above other criteria.

PerSpeier35

Well, I am happy to eat crow, at least for a day. 24 hours ago I noted that Vogey appeared to be washed up to me but he threw pretty well. If the blind ump doesn’t blow those calls that walked the pitcher then Vogey’s quite possibly gets the win. Good for him.

Bapah

He’s pretty agile for a tall guy. He was quite nimble while fielding a bunt yesterday.

Foothills Ryan

You won’t be eating the crow alone. Oracle will help. I’ll take a bite as will many others. He’ll have good games against cool hitting teams and he’ll get lit up now and then.

Bapah

MLB analytics in action. This could be very interesting. Notice tracking and route efficiency metrics. MLBAM looks good from here.

I kept thinking about the hot-dog HR trot off Romo last year, when he made goggles with his hands as he touched the plate. Jobu don’t like that behavior in baseball.

paul in p.v.

Gracias Total! C/U remembered that Pacman’s kittie the late-great Killer won a game in 2010 like that.

paul in p.v.

Gracias, Vegas – the boyz in Frezno are really pounding the ball! :o)

2holehitting

1 game does not make a season. It is good to know that he can still put together a decent game . You need 1 in every 2 starts to be good from the bottom 2 and the top 3 to have 3 out of every 5 games to be good. That will put you on pace for a 93 win season

Matthew

True enough..one or two games -good OR bad – do not make a season…I think this team and its parts are certainly strong enough to be there all year

2holehitting

you need a good outing everyother start from a 4/5 if you want to make the playoffs

Michael Scott

Obviously, he didn’t know it wasn’t broken. It’s just me, you how I am, contrarian and all..so I’ll leave the irrelevant stuff out of it and be glad that Ramirez escaped serious injury.

ClutchUp

Get AWAY starting lineup will produce much worrying here by sooooo many.

Its a marathon, not a sprint…

Clean shaven Bum!

DrLefty

No worries here. Already won the series. Only the middle of April. I expect Buster to be sitting, and he should be. If Perez were still here, he’d be starting in CF instead of Angel, but with lefty Ryu going, I expect:

Many, including me and almost commenters here, were dubious about Vogelsong after last year, ST, and his first starts in April. I’m sure that all are happy to see that he may have started the road back and become a solid starter again. But there’s no crow to be ingested, the concerns were and are valid concerns. With that said- good work last night by Ryan and the pen. And Panda. Hoping for continued success from all of them

DrLefty

The headline of that story was “Dodger Bullpen Fails Again.” OK, Howell gave up a run in a tie game. So I guess that’s a “fail.” But ONE run in several innings just isn’t that bad. It’s not like the bullpen blew a lead.

That’s the problem with an obscenely bloated payroll and sky-high expectations. People expect perfection, all the time.

DrLefty

Exactly. Ask the Detroit Tigers from 2012 and the Texas Rangers from 2010. I still remember what a Ranger said (I think it was Nelson Cruz, but it might have been Vlad Guerrero–one of their middle-order guys): “Their pitching killed our hitting.” That’s how it works.

The Dodgers’ hitting wasn’t “cold” coming into the series–on the contrary, they’d spent the weekend beating up on the Dbacks in AZ.

Foothills Ryan

It’s a marathon, not a sprint…

… and the Giants are from Kenya.

Matthew

Times of chaos often show true character…I am likewise glad that Hanley was not seriously injured…but he is George Kostanza in a burning retirement home.

Foothills Ryan

Seat Belt for Buster with your guy Ryu on the bump? Maybe.

Maybe time for Hicks to watch somebody else field at 2B.

Foothills Ryan

If you’re cookin’, I’m eatin’.

I’m sure you could drizzle that bad boy with some gravy.

But hey, Aaron “Harangue” is off to a good start. Sometimes guys like this string together a few good outings before the wheels come off the axles.

Foothills Ryan

I think the short answer is that that these players were available for a reason. Their former teams were not all that interested in locking up players with bad attitudes and lousy team spirit. And the Dodgers have money to buy such available talent.

Matthew

Another LA bullpen observation….so, they activated B Weezy for this series….and Donnie TT went with League in two separate situations instead of Wilson.

Whaaaa???????

Foothills Ryan

Never mind : LHB have a .718 OPS vs. Ryu, RHB .620.

(it must be the changeup)

Stack the lineup with lefties !

Matthew

Hey! The new Southwest commercial!

Donnie in the dugout with a look that is a cross between confusion and constipation…camera cuts to MadBum on the mound, staring in with his look, and firing mitt-poppers.

Voice over: ” Wanna get away?”

Bapah

The way Craw hits lefties? Nah.

paul in p.v.

Alex said it was the knee, but Snorkel was afraid Buster tweaked his (surgically repaired) right ankle on that awkward slide into 2B. :o?

Foothills Ryan

How much consideration does Bochy give Ryu’s reverse splits?

LHB have a .718 OPS vs. Ryu, RHB .620. (must be the changeup)

Tepid about Bochy’s performance last night. Should have gone to the pen at the beginning of the 7th (go ahead, argue about pitch count).

And should have pinch ran/defensive subbed for Morse in bottom of 8th (suppose hands were tied by the Perez move – but still, that wasn’t good- enlighten me on this one if you will).

Michael Scott

Ramirez has missed a lot of playing time due to injury, I’m sure that played big part in his over the top response. I didn’t see the whole incident but I’ve not heard that he charged the mound or anything like that. I don’t like him either but I don’t hate him and I don’t hate the Dodgers. I’ve argued that before with fans who don’t think one is a Giants fan unless that hate the Dodgers. My position on that is that if person can *truly* hate a frigging baseball team, that person is serious need of mental health help. I don’t like them because they’re a rival competing for what we also want- a title.
To be clear I’m not referring to anyone here, it’s just observation in light of the incident last night.

Michael Scott

Whatever, we won. And Bochy is the best pitching staff handler in the biz. I don’t agree with every decision but I respect his decisions because he has shown that he knows what he’s doing.

ClutchUp

Trust the process big Dog!

ClutchUp

Hammie is always stiffer day two

ClutchUp

Or even 108 yrs…

Matthew

Perhaps…his response also could be because he is immature and self centered.

The nice thing about the GE blog is that the fans on here , for the most part, have enough maturity that they don’t have that “hate” factor you talk about. If anyone has used the word, I would think it is more for emphasis than accuracy.

If I were a Dodger fan, I would be upset that Hanley got drilled. So, their anger is at least understandable. Thankfully , I am NOT a Dodger fan, as I would be an angst ridden ball of nerves.

Michael Scott

At least until someone up here is injured or deserves demotion. IMO.

channelclemente

It would seem rumors of Vogelsong’s demise have been greatly exaggerated.

channelclemente

Maybe it was to scare Baer?

Michael Scott

I’m as happy as anyone that he turned in a good outing last night. But one good start is not *quite* enough yet to allay concerns about him.

channelclemente

One is always concerned about 36 year old pitchers, but a bit less so today. His fastball, was just hopping in the zone tonight. But to the optimistic side could see a two inning glimpse of tonight in the previous start.

ClutchUp

Buster took that rough take out slide on Gordan…took a few gutter balls off certain body parts and I think Lefty is correct that 28 sits. Arias made suave/smooth plays at SS and got a knock.

ClutchUp

Wonder if they knock Bum down today? Chuckle…

DrLefty

Velocity was up, too.

channelclemente

A wee bit, 93ish.

DrLefty

As with Hudson on Sunday, I thought Vogelsong walking the pitcher and then giving up the triple to Gordon (after two outs and none on) was a “warning sign” in the sixth. And as with Hudson on Sunday, I would have had someone warming up to start the next inning, just in case. I would have taken Vogey out after he hit Hanley. It all worked out, but Machi had to get out of a bases-loaded jam to do it.

And yes, I was surprised he didn’t pinch-run for Morse in the eighth, especially since Blanco came in for defense in the top of the ninth anyway. I guess the only reason might be if Blanco got hurt on the bases, then you’re out of OFs for the ninth.

I don’t see any of those comments or questions as disrespectful of Bochy or not “trusting the process.” In-game strategy is fun to talk about, even if it all turns out well.

The Dodger fans are discussing this today, too. Specifically, why Van Slyke didn’t bat for Crawford against Lopez in the 8th and why Uribe was sent on that busted hit-and-run. Oh, and whether it was a good idea to walk Pence to get to Pablo.

channelclemente

Puig has been given the nickname by some in LA as ‘The Egg Whiffer’. I have no idea what that means in Dodger speak.

Michael Scott

“Perhaps…his response also could be because he is immature and self centered.” There is enough evidence to support that , as there is for many athletes. But there is way too much “I’m glad he wasn’t seriously injured. *but*”… (IMO)
Anyway, the wins last night and the night before were exciting games and I have little or no interest in Hanley’s character.

channelclemente

What surprises me about That fanbase is how damn ignorant they are. Rameriz crowds the plate and 2 seam fastballs tail up and in. It’s physics. If Vogelsong had wanted to hit Rameriz, it would have been a 4 seam in the ribs.

Foothills Ryan

Thank you Lefty. There’s a reason Clutch gets the “Giants’ shill” label. He knows his baseball, but to defend Bochy/Sabean at all costs without analysis is unbecoming of what it means to be a fan.

Bochy was awkward many times last year. We’re seeing some dubious maneuvers already that have not bitten the Giants.

Michael Scott

I liked his performance last night, who wouldn’t? The concern ,however, at least for me, is more about his performance last year that had continued into this year more than his age. I don’t see that as an unreasonable concern.

Matthew

Lefty, the reason he didn’t pinch run was that he had hoped the LU would get him to the pitchers spot, where Blanco would have PH ( Blanco was in the dugout with a helmet in his hands after Bochy talked him through that scenario). It may have been overly wishful thinking, but I think that was his plan.

Matthew

Totally respect your take Michael…for some reason, I do entertain myself with interest in players characters … Obviously, analyzing from afar can be wildly off base. Fun in my eyes, nonetheless.

channelclemente

I would venture a guess age and performance declines are connected. I see a progression in positive performance increments, presumably as his arm strength increases. But, as I’ve said numerous times, I think has about a 20 game ceiling before he begins to tail off. It’s nice that the Bummers helped him out last night by being so aggressive at the plate, and keeping him from any high pitch count innings. I still believe we’ll see one or more young guys doing spot starts later in the year.

Matthew

Nostril flare was up…

channelclemente

Meanwhile, a black hole, gravity waves and all, may be forming over Texas. Just kidding, sort of.

That is not a division winning lineup. It is a long season though and it is get away day.

Sidewinder

Another big win for the Giants. Lincecum and Vogelsong were both pitching like underdogs. It was good to see them have solid outings. It was great to see the bullpen shut the door. Machi, Casilla, and Romo are forming a very nice 7-9. I would also like to see Bochy get the ball to the pen sooner when Lincecum and Vogelsong are pitching. Things usually get dicey for them around innings 6 or 7. But, as the sayings go, a win is a win and all’s well that end’s well.

Bapah

Odds on seeing him today?

Anti-Lasorda

If he can stay at 92-93, his cutter gets a lot more tail and starts missing bats as opposed to being flat and saying ‘HIT ME!’. He’ll be effective as long as he can find that when he wants it. He doesn’t need to live there, he can live around 90 or so, but he need 93 on the reach back when he has to have it or want that 2 strike put away fastball the just bores in under the RHers hands. From my armchair pitching coach observations, when his arm slot goes away and his velocity dips that cutter doesn’t ride in, instead it stays inner half and you watch him loose a lot of 2 strike hitters trying to bore it in there. Then he starts getting smacked around the yard.

Vogey pitched well, but still got a lot of breaks last night. (Sorry Kemp was safe) (That killer DP) The next test will be in a little adversity when he doesn’t get the break and see if he trys to overthrow and get in his bad mechanics again or if he stays the course.

He’s at the corner, peaking around the side of the building…. let’s see if he makes the turn. I’m optimistic, but cautiously so….

Bapah

I’m wondering if the Dodgers suspend their strategy of going after the first pitch. Let’s hope the kid makes them pay for whatever strategy they employ.

channelclemente

It’s not the cut alone, he’s geting ‘hop’ on the ball in the last foot or so. Look on tevo, it’s like Jobu reaches out and thumps the ball.

Bapah

As it was in his previous start; he was just trying to be too fine in that one. Of course the umpire had a postage stamp sized zone. Rookie Ump today, so not much intelligence the pitching gurus can provide Bum.

Michael Scott

“Bochy is a master at his managerial craft
Giants skipper is as good as any in the Major Leagues at running a game”

One correction; the writer said that the reliever’s IP were “tied for fifth-most in the National League.” It’s tied for fifth *fewest* IP.

Anti-Lasorda

How do you judge Bochy’s decision? On results or methodology?
IMHO, Bochy wanted to try to give his pen rest, and Vogey’s pitch count was low (even if he’s only a 90 pitch guy at his best). I would run his butt out there and get as much of him as I can having burned the whole pen the night before.
Bochy couldn’t do a 7 pitcher nightm he knew it, so he rode the horse perhaps one batter to long trying to get greedy. I understand that. IT was a good risk. If Vogey got the DP there and finishes the inning he wouldn’t have burned Machi and he could have him tonight. As it is, I think Jean, Jean the dancing machine gets the night off…

DrLefty

Tell Snorkel to relax. Buster’s left ankle is the surgically repaired one. 🙂

Anti-Lasorda

Maybe but Crawford is one of the guys running hot. Get him back out there. I would look for Blanco to start one of the 3 days in SD in CF for Angel. I might sit Hicks and let Hack… errr Joaquin have a start at 2B

ClutchUp

That one talk he also had with himself on the bump was also cla$$ic: Ryan to Vogey: “Throw the ‘Fin’ Ball”

oooo–oooo

stickman

Rotation, Rotation, Rotation. Fifteen games in and we have at least one decent start from each one. Yes, it’s a bit early to be totaling the chickies, but it’s still mid-April and the worst fears for our starting five are somewhat assuaged.

Looks like the hitters, though, are suffering from the ATT effect. Time for the owners to bite the bullet, change the contract with the phone-bill bunch , settle on a bit of readjustment of the wall at the terminus of triples alley and come around and make Willie Mays Field the official name. Cut the corporate crap. The owners will hardly be sitting out on Telegraph Avenue with a cup at their feet if they eschew a few extra bucks on their lucrative investment.

Anti-Lasorda

Awww… Hanwees wittle hand hurts….

I think Bum needs to runner a cutter or two at Puig’s shoulder to get that outter half of the plate back. I would hate it if the rode a little too hard and in, that would be a shame…..

DrLefty

I just meant because of the tight hammy.

ClutchUp

ThattaBabe, way to bust out the S phrase for lack of better thought process 🙂
YOU use “T.T.P.” as much as anybody. I’ve said I do not like BB15’s “in game moves” now since he took over for Alou. Homework baby, do your due diligence.

Yep, that’s where a four-man bench makes things tricky–especially if he wanted to avoid using Craw.

Also, the best possible pinch-hitter–Bumgarner–was home in bed.

Anti-Lasorda

Not rooting for injury, but enjoying the schadenfreude none the less.

Michael Scott

It’s a day game. Hey, maybe you can root for a terrible accident as long as Dodgers are the only ones injured.

Michael Scott

“I would hate it if the rode a little too hard and in, that would be a shame…..:
Yes ,you were rooting for injury.

stickman

Surf: Thanx for keying your piece with “off topic”. Wish more posters who chat on secondary sports would do that.

ClutchUp

Buster IN
Pagan out
Arias at leadoff

DrLefty

I suck at predicting lineups. The only thing I got right was no Crawford.

Anti-Lasorda

You seem to not understand the idea of throwing inside with a purpose. You’re not trying to hurt him, but you’re trying to intimidate him. His teamate got drilled and is missing games, he likes to lean on the outer half and hit your change up for a oppo-taco HR last year. Today is the perfect day to buzz Puig and take that outer half back. If you can’t appreciate that, you don’t know how to throw inside.

Matthew

All I have to say is, Baet LA

stickman

Front office hasta be salivating while contemplating that consistent 0.00 ERA. I’m sure the plan is to keep him on ice till the Dog Days or so. Would not surprise me a bit if Jake Dunning, who has been to The Show and also sports some goose eggs this Spring gets the first call if there is need for a one-inning guy.

Matthew

Your head is too small…none of us the gray volume of The Master

Foothills Ryan

Your guise is baetific.

Foothills Ryan

That’s what a hamburger is all about. You are not a shill by the way. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. You happen to be papa/mama bear for SaBochy on the internets. Which is good. Everyone should be entitled to a pro-bono public defender. c| :>)

Matthew

I just shared this with Sophie, and told her to raise her game…she is getting blistered by the success of Snorkel.

She responded with an indifferent expression, a face cleaning that would do Austin Powers proud, and a dismissive flick of the tail.

As a result, I’m counting on Snorkel to keep up and start the Feline DiMaggio Streak

Michael Scott

When you say “I would hate it if the rode a little too hard and in, that would be a shame…..” you are NOT talking about pitching in, or “buzzing” him, you are wanting him to be hit, Just say you didn’t mean it that way.
I understand pitching in. Have a nice day.

Doughnut

I am surprised it doesn’t happen more. He dives out over the plate and is very effective doing it. You need to get it in his kitchen to get him out over the long haul. If you don’t get it in enough he yanks it out. It is tough to pitch to him anyways, but if you won’t go inside on somebody diving out over the plate then they are way too comfortable and are going to do damage.
He has talent no doubt, i just find it extremely hard to respect anything about him and the way he plays the game and it isn’t because he is a dodger. I respect Kershaw a lot and he kills us over and over.

Foothills Ryan

You do some pitching back in the day?

Michael Scott

As get away LUs go, there’s not a lot to complain about, is there?

Anti-Lasorda

Drilling him doesn’t mean injurying him… afterall, Puigs got a hard coconut. Kennedy bounced one off his dome last year and he didn’t miss an inning.

Matthew

You sound like Jay Glazer

Matthew

My Whitney and I were joking last night about Bum being the PH…didn’t know they sent him home! Too bad, as I REALLY wanted that moment. Imagine the fans on that one. I could hear the melody of Vin as well , describing THAT move

Michael Scott

I didn’t say age was not a factor, I said that I was more concerned about his performance than his age.

ClutchUp

Frank: I miss it when your don’t sign off as: “TBG”

ClutchUp

You should post Mrs Crawfords Brandon and Brandon blog?

StevenAlanMitchell

His meltdown reminded me of Lefty’s meltdown on Monday when Uribe went yard.

DrLefty

Good idea–here it is: a guest post by Jalynne Crawford. I thought it was lovely.

I remember when I was selling cars at a Mercedes Benz dealership in the bay area in the early 2000s and I came in there thinking I was hot sheet, 3 months later I found myself near the bottom in sales every single month and we had 13 reps,embarrassing to say the least. Got tired of looking bad so I decided to step it up and I did by working harder then anyone else.I feel like Vogey and Lincecum were embarrassed and t tired of being the weak link so they’re finally stepping it up…….at least for 1 start.

StevenAlanMitchell

Let’s get a .284 OBP guy and put him at the top of the LU. Melon being melon. If you put Arias lead off, might as well give Posey a rest.

StevenAlanMitchell

Well other than the fact the lowest on base guy is leading off

DrLefty

You’re not a shill. And you’re right: I think Footy pioneered “trust the process”–usually when I and others were complaining about Belt.

Matthew

Let’s get a team that is in first place after beating the dreaded opponents twice in a row ( and 4 out of 5 for the young season) and let the manager decide what might possibly work best for both the game and the season!

DrLefty

I’m assuming they sent him to home to bed given the early start today and the late game the night before. I think they usually do that for the starter of a day game after a night game. But I don’t actually know for sure.

Hudson’s a good hitter, too. For that matter, so is Cain.

StevenAlanMitchell

Where did Costner go?

Matthew

Too many unwanted advances. Beauty was my burden.

StevenAlanMitchell

Could be worse. You could have been “Matthew” McConaughey. Then you would never have been left alone.

Matthew

Thank God you weren’t selling Kia Optima’s… That would have been soul crushing. But, you are now a top of the rotation guy. Logistics, Brother. Logistics.

DrLefty

I’m not picking on you in particular (or just you), Matthew, but a pet peeve of mine is lines like “let the manager decide” or “let Bochy manage.” Or, the clincher: “Bochy (or Sabean) has won two World Series and you’re just a schmoe fan writing on a blog and have won nothing, so…”

What does that even mean, anyway? It’s not like you or I or Sam or anyone has ANYTHING to say about how the game/team is run, whether or not we “let” Bochy manage/decide. We’re just talking here in the virtual equivalent of a sports bar. And it’s fun. I don’t think any of us are truly confused about our roles vs. Bochy’s.

So, in the spirit of that thought, I’ll engage with the original question. If Ryu weren’t pitching, probably Blanco and not Arias would be leading off. But since it’s a lefty and Pagan’s getting a day off, there aren’t many alternatives.

StevenAlanMitchell

Wow. Just looked up Arias v Ryu. 3/5 with a walk. .667 OBP. I may have jumped the gun here.

Matthew

You gave it fair thought…I was being quick and flippant.

As you know, I get a bit perturbed at some of the decisions, but I decided to take a more patient and trusting approach early this season.

I think the 13 pitcher construction ties Bochy’s hands in a profound way on a getaway day…one which he also wants to rest a couple of guys,

Someone had a real good comeback to me a couple of weeks back along the lines of “Ruben Amaro has one, too”

Foothills Ryan

Where does “trust the process” rank?

I love your stance today BTW – today’s a good day for southpaws.

MLBSF

Matthew has a large stick up his A all of a sudden about any criticism what-so-ever of the Giants? Right Matthew? smh
Look at Lefty chewing you out above. She’s totally right like usual.

Matthew

In the spirit of Barry Lamar protecting our Richie and helping him to career heights never seen prior, I am announcing that , as The Bodyguard, I am offering CU protection from the Blog Pirates (you know who you are) that are pitching irresponsibly to him here.

I am The BodyGuard (a new, skinny version)

DrLefty

Good question. I think it’s in there with the others–because again, the meta-message is: “Don’t you dare question what’s happening here. Who do you think you are?”

And really–what fun is that? 🙂

DrLefty

Yay Lefties!

Not you, Ryu. Go ahead and give up 8 runs again like last time.

DrLefty

Well, whaddya know. I guess we’d better let the manager decide. (!)

Foothills Ryan

In the metaphysical sense, we are just practicing for another life in a tobacco juice stained dugout.

Foothills Ryan

you are no longer baetific.

DrLefty

Yikes, I don’t want to think too much about how BLB25 might have “helped” Richie to those career heights…

MLBSF

That was interesting.
Lefty next time you have lunch with Jalynne tell her I said her and Brandon seem like nice people.

And that I will promise not to write bad things about Brandon unless he makes me frustrated. smh

StevenAlanMitchell

I’m sure Bochy would of had him lead off even if he was 0-6.

Doughnut

I think talking about managerial decisions is a good thing and I know I enjoy it. I happen to side with Bochy more then others and disagree witha lot of the criticisms of him. I think he is one of the best in the game if not the best. I especially disagree with the squeeze play brigade that pops up on here after we don’t score a run in a high leverage situation. I don’t know if you are talking about me, but if you are i am just disagreeing with peoples position, not saying it shouldn’t be a topic for debate, it should. There are a lot people here that like to throw Bochy under the bus every chance they get and it irritates me because I truly believe this franchise is nowhere near where it is right now without him or with any other manager, although you will never hear him say that.
I don’t agree with every decision that is made though by any means.

Matthew

Watch out…I may be skinny , but I am lethal!

DrLefty

They do seem like nice people, but I’m not personally acquainted!

I really liked the part where she talked about how grateful Brandon is for the fans’ support and how they don’t take for granted what they’re experiencing now because they know it won’t last forever.

Also the amount of behind-the-scenes sacrifice–taking care of two babies a lot of the time by herself, putting her own career aspirations on hold, flying Southwest to go watch the guys (who fly charters), all the packing and unpacking. (Bear in mind Crawford hasn’t made the seriously big bucks yet.)

Heading back to my Dominican icon and mentor…The Bodyguard needs to retire

Foothills Ryan

We once did Downton Abbey characters. Who’s your go-to for Game of Thrones ? I’m guessing Jorah Mormont – bodyguard for Khaleesi. (btw, actor that plays Jorah had a part in Downton Abbey as the guy engaged to Mary before Matthew).

Matthew

Wait, what? What fun is that?!

Hee hee

Matthew

Is it blasphemous if I admit to not being a GOT guy?

StevenAlanMitchell

2.167
OPS+ 484

StevenAlanMitchell

This is a good move. You don’t want to be stuck with only 1 client.

Foothills Ryan

GOT doesn’t play well at GE. Not nearly as well as DTA. Hmmm.

PerSpeier35

This morning on the radio Armstrong and Getty were going over the top lists of best and worst jobs. I have no idea of the source, just caught part of it, but worth mentioning here because the number two best job to have……college professor! Go Lefty, but you missed out, I’m not kidding, they said the best job to have is a Mathematician. I’ve been working in the corporate world for 30 years now and I’ve never once met or worked at a company that had a mathematician.
BTW, worst job to have….lumberjack.

StevenAlanMitchell

I don’t even know you anymore.

MLBSF

OK my bad Lefty.
It’s how I appreciate everyone on this blog’s support since I know it won’t last forever either. So I feel like I have something in common with Crawford.

Foothills Ryan

-29 mins – 21 ago for yours …

50 minutes ago.

Foothills Ryan

…but if you can transition to the spokesman for selling paper towels, it’s not bad.

Foothills Ryan

and you’ll have to ask non-tenured professors what they think about their job.

Foothills Ryan

The A’ blew another save last night, but Jim Johnson was not to blame. Seemed like Gregerson got BABIP’d but his stuff seems no where near what it was. The slider looked kind of slurvy. In spite of the 3 BS (or 4?), the A’s still off to a great start.

Matthew

– 8 = 58

This could keep going

Matthew

It’s not you. It’s me. I’ve changed

Anti-Lasorda

Never a good idea to throw at the guy who holds the ball on the mound. He’s sure to throw one back at you…..
Nevermind, that NO ONE would ever want a piece of Bum. I’ll be interested to see if BP28 gets a shoulder bruise despite the fact that Beckett drilled Morse.

NoShame09

Wow guys, kind of slipping on the coverage of post and pregame. I know the games have been running a little late and today it starts “early”, but isn’t it sort of…how should I put it? YOUR JOB?

ClutchUp

Todays Guarantees?
Book it?
Double Down?

* We WILL see Brian Wilson today
* How many? O/U on Bums SRockets today? Note: MrsBum does not allow SR’s around the home.
* Get away day? Toughest game for home team to win, IF, it means a Sweep. * The team down 0-2 doesn’t want to be swept be it the Doyers or the Mudhens.
* In 2012 the G’s won almost all of their “getaway games.

Anti-Lasorda

Dunning can go two, and is reported to have a gumby arm if Petit falters or needs to join the rotation. Keep that in mind AND the fact Bochy really likes him….

StevenAlanMitchell

15 minutes until first pitch and no lineup post. No pregame notes post. I’ve never seen anything like this.

Doughnut

This role is perfect for Blanco. His swings have been much better lately. You can see he has some pop in his bat again. This is the perfect role for him to be playing. Spot starting every now and again and a defensive replacement and pinch runner. Good team guy.

Last year really sucked the life out of him it seemed. He got worn down and just was a black hole in the OF

Foothills Ryan

Pavs is off today – travelling to SD. I guess the others have other jobs to do.

Anti-Lasorda

He can be the best 4th in baseball depending on how you view the Dodgers OF surplus having 4 starters and who is the 4th and if Donny TT can keep them all happy and playing well.

Okay, maybe the second best anyway.

Foothills Ryan

Corporal Klinger loved his Mudhens.

Anti-Lasorda

AP has been seriously slipping this season. He’s getting into a Baggardly like malaise….
2 years on the beat and already big leaguing us….

Foothills Ryan

Adrianza could really use a spot start.

Anti-Lasorda

Happy Flight? Windy says “Yes!”

Doughnut

Totally agree dude. Today would have been nice but i think they want him in there vs. RHP but yeah today still would have been nice. Just checked and Hicks is 2-2 with 2 doubles vs Ryu so…

Foothills Ryan

A sampling of the averages of some good hitters within the Cleveland lineup and a reminder about early season perspective:

Bourn .143
Swisher .167
Kipnis .212
Santana .163
Cabrera .204

Foothills Ryan

surely they don’t expect him to be able to hit off the bench cold. his handling is becoming curious. need to get him to AAA and I would think they come up with an minor injury.

Anti-Lasorda

I suppose the sign could have been worse, if the gal on the end got it backwards so poor fellow named Albert would have been looking for a place to hide.

Anti-Lasorda

As a rule of thumb, I don’t worry until about June 1 and see an average below .240. That usually gives the player about 150ABs to work through the sample size variations. Right now after two -three weeks ~45-50 ABs the sample size is just too small.

Matthew

We see Wilson every game..about 10 times..ohhh, you mean “on the mound”!
Who is assigned to the SRocket count?
The Giants may well be cosidered Ryu’s daddy

Matthew

BOOM!!

Foothills Ryan

Good rule. That’s got to be around 200 PAs for the average bear.

paul in p.v.

That’s one correction he loves! :o)

Doughnut

I am starting to wonder if he fits in to the future plans. I hope he does because i like his talent but it is odd how little time he is getting. Can’t expect him to hit. AAA def the answer if they can swing it. A base hit could do wonders for his confidence if he gets a chance up here though

When is Pavs working? I need to get on the BANG payroll so I can take all these off days… sheesh.

I am sure he’s going to that things with some people.

Doughnut

yeah, Dodgers have a surplus of talented OF. Its hard to deny that. I hear they have a prospect in minors, Joc Pederson who is supposed to be damn good too. Dodger fans want to trade Ethier and call him up. Seems like they have two of every position

DrLefty

Wow, Bumgarner looks different without the beard.

Oh, and there’s a new post.

ClutchUp

Alex is IN San Diego
Maybe we have Steve’Corky’ today?
Or Carl Stew since the A’s are off.
Bum’s gonna deal with a keyhole again today?
Get away strike zones are usually Grande?

SurfCity

Great fan effort. Never would have happened on this blog of course. Too many “trust the process” commenters would have killed the effort.

DrLefty

Nah. Go ahead and count the Phils out. Save yourself time.

Utley’s a stud, for sure. If not for the injuries, he’d be a Hall of Famer. When healthy, he’s a special player.

SurfCity

No problem Stickman.
And not just the off-topic sports, which are at least relevant, but all the inane youtube videos people post

Doughnut

Strike zone is really small. Bum getting screwd.

Foothills Ryan

Game time! Grab a Budweiser unless you are at work.

Radio mode – better find some field work to do with the truck radio going .

Doughnut

If we had a bigger budget maybe we could swing a trade. How sweet would Utley be on this team. Left handed bat that plays the game right and wants to win and oh yeah he plays 2nd.

Anti-Lasorda

Ned won’t find any takers for Either’s bloated deal. He’ll have to throw money in it as well to get any return. Ideally, you’ld love to platoon him with someone like Gomes who CRUSHES LH pitching.

If Donny TT keep the 4 guys rotating and moving around so everyone plays 3 out of 4 and there is no true 4th OF it can work. Everyone will play 120-130 games and get their numbers. You might keep them all healthy all year long. Let’s face it, Kemp, Crawford and Either have spent A LOT of DL time the last few years. If I was Ned, I would’ve kept them all too and not bet on a rook unless the Gugenhiem’s started nagging me about payroll or Donny said one of them wqas a clubhouse problem.

~YMMV

since62

Radio works for me, as long as I give my students “busy” work. Go Giants!!

Doughnut

Yeah, those things tend to work themselves out. Totally agree on Ethier. But i am sure there are going to be ego problems. I am certain both Puig and Kemp feel they should be in the lineup every day and so far they haven’t been.
For the record i think we will score more runs then the dodgers this year. I really like our lineup and theirs has big names but maybe a tad overrated. But they will almost certainly allow less runs then we will and likely by a wide margin

WillieMaysField

He’s out of options. It’s big leagues or waivers.

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